Stephen Robinson has backed his Heart of Midlothian counterpart to turn things around.

The St Mirren manager, speaking after his side’s 2-1 win over the Jambos, still expects Steven Naismith’s men to be “fighting it out at the top end” of the table come the end of the season.

An own goal from Gerald Taylor and a Toyosi Olusanya strike either side of Craig Halkett's goal meant all three points stayed in Paisley.

Hearts fell to their eighth consecutive defeat, their ninth match without a win – their worst run to start a season ever. They are bottom of the Scottish Premiership with one point.

But Robinsons is confident Naismith can turn around the fortunes of the Tynecastle Park outfit.

“We've all been there,” said Robinson. “The expectation at Hearts is massive. Steven's put a squad together of really talented players. Sometimes it takes a little bit of time to gel.

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“There wasn't loads in the game today. Everyone needs time, everyone needs perseverance. You have to remember, it's forgetting very quickly how good the team were last season and what results they got last season.

"Unfortunately, you don't have a lot of money in the bank in this game.

“I think Steven's a terrific manager. I believe he will turn it around and get the results. I have no doubt Hearts will be fighting at the top end of the table this season again.”